Research
Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie – December 31, 2023
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca affect human biology at the molecular level. Scientists tracked how these compounds are processed in the body and mapped their effects on cellular metabolism. While we understand how these substances break down, their broader impact on the body's metabolic systems offers promising insights for mental health treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attentio...
Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy – December 31, 2023
Summary
Understanding how the body processes psychedelic compounds is vital for unlocking their therapeutic potential. A review of studies on substances like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT reveals that while their primary breakdown products are largely known, their broader impact on human metabolism is still emerging. Integrating advanced metabolomics with drug tracking promises to illuminate the precise molecular interactions behind their positive therapeutic effects, paving the way for novel treatment development.
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attentio...
Początki psychologii prenatalnej. Stanislav Grof i jego matryce perinatalne – przejaw geniuszu czy manowce nauki?
Studia nad Rodziną – December 31, 2023
Summary
Pioneering psychologist Stanislav Grof's often-debated theories profoundly shape our understanding of early life. This exploration delves into his "perinatal matrices," which propose a link between birth experiences and psychological development. Despite controversy, Grof's foundational concepts have significantly influenced both scientific thought and popular opinion on the crucial period around birth, underpinning many subsequent therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Stanislav Grof i jego koncepcje niemal nieznane w Polsce, na świecie cieszą się sporą, choć niejednoznaczną, sławą. Jako jeden z pionierów psycholo...
Amygdala response to emotional faces following acute administration of psilocybin in healthy individuals
Neuroscience Applied – December 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, significantly reduces the brain's emotional responses. A Neuroscience investigation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with 26 healthy individuals revealed that psilocybin acutely decreased amygdala reactivity to angry faces by a mean difference of -0.54 compared to baseline. This finding, pertinent to Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, indicates the compound's influence on emotional processing. Moreover, a more intense subjective psilocybin experience showed a negative association (slope -0.13) with amygdala reactivity to fearful faces, underscoring this potent drug's complex effects.
Abstract
The serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin acutely induces changes in emotional states. However, it remains unresolved whether psilocybin acutely modu...
Psilocybin - new remedy for patients with psychiatric disorders? Critical analysis of the current state of knowledge
Journal of Education Health and Sport – December 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers a safety profile comparable to standard psychiatric medicine. Evidence indicates this psychedelic alkaloid provides clinically meaningful improvements in treating depression—a significant global economic burden—trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Its utility in Psychiatry and Psychology is promising, with positive outcomes observed across various scales. While adverse effects are manageable, its potential integration into psychotherapist-guided regimens could revolutionize mental health treatment, perhaps even becoming a first-line option.
Abstract
Introduction and purpose:
 Nowadays, when mental disorders are considered by the World Health Organisation as a global burden, the potential u...
AYAHUASCA NO TRATAMENTO DE DEPRESSÃO RESISTENTE
Visão Acadêmica – December 29, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, a condition affecting many in Brazil. A review of 37 articles led to the selection of 11 relevant studies, revealing significant improvements in depressive symptoms following Ayahuasca use. Notably, these benefits can last for several weeks. Additionally, Ayahuasca appears to positively affect brain biomarkers and neuronal growth, hinting at its potential psychological benefits. This offers new hope for individuals who have not found relief through conventional antidepressants, though further investigation into its effects and safety is essential.
Abstract
O Brasil enfrenta uma alta prevalência de depressão, uma doença crônica não transmissível que requer gerenciamento a longo prazo. O tratamento inic...
The Therapeutic Effect and Potential Application of Psilocybin
Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology – December 29, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding from Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals the hallucinogen psilocybin's significant potential in Psychology. Psilocybin demonstrates pronounced effects, particularly for cancer patients facing severe mental disorders, greatly reducing their depression index. It also effectively controls substance abuse. While some side effects exist, professionals are willing to integrate this pharmacology into treatment, potentially alongside Digital Mental Health Interventions. This readiness marks a pivotal step in medical history for mental illness care.
Abstract
Mental illness is a hot topic of concern worldwide. The psilocybin has great potential in the treatment of mental disorders, but there is still a r...
Serotonergic psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT alters plasticity-related gene expression and generates anxiolytic effects in stressed mice
OpenAlex – December 28, 2023
Summary
A single high dose of the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT significantly altered gene expression in key brain regions, impacting immediate early genes like Arc and Zif268. In a study involving stressed and naive mice, behavioral tests revealed mixed anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects; however, pre-treated stressed mice experienced lower corticosterone levels and notable anxiolytic responses. Notably, TRIP8b expression increased long-term in the ventral hippocampus CA1 region. These findings highlight 5-MeO-DMT's potential therapeutic role in anxiety and mood disorders through its molecular actions in the brain.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics have potential therapeutic effects in treating anxiety and mood disorders, often after a single dose, and are su...
Engaging Mood Brain Circuits with Psilocybin (EMBRACE): a study protocol for a randomized, proof-of-principle, placebo-controlled and crossover, neuroimaging trial in depression
OpenAlex – December 28, 2023
Summary
Nearly one-third of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder don't respond to conventional antidepressant treatments, highlighting an urgent need in psychiatry. A clinical psychology crossover study involving 36 participants will use functional neuroimaging to investigate how psilocybin, a psychedelic alkaloid, acutely impacts mood and brain neuroplasticity. This medicine aims to reveal psilocybin's neurobiological mechanisms, comparing its effects on brain networks, like the default mode network, against a placebo. Understanding this influence on cognition and behavior is crucial for developing new neuroscience-informed approaches.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide across domains of health and cognition, affecting o...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part I. Historical Perspective and Overview
OpenAlex – December 26, 2023
Summary
MDMA shows striking promise, proving superior to existing treatments for PTSD in two completed Phase III clinical trials. This marks a new frontier in Psychiatry and Medicine. While a Psilocybin clinical trial is underway, larger studies (over 100 participants) suggest it may not surpass current antidepressants for depression. The pharmacology of various psychedelics, including Lysergic acid diethylamide and other hallucinogens, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers significant hope for anxiety, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and ot...
Therapeutic frameworks in integration sessions in substance‐assisted psychotherapy: A systematised review
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy – December 26, 2023
Summary
Despite growing interest in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, no specific psychotherapeutic approach for integrating psychedelic experiences into daily life has demonstrated efficacy. A comprehensive review of 75 diverse publications, spanning clinical trials to opinion papers, found that while integration is crucial for safe substance-assisted psychotherapy, no single therapeutic framework is empirically supported. Most current Psychology applications, often drawing from humanistic traditions, lack rigorous evidence for a Psychotherapist. This critical gap, impacting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, is evident across databases like PsycINFO and MEDLINE.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics and related substances have been explored as potential adjuncts in substance‐assisted psychotherapy (SAPT) for t...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part IV. Psilocybin
OpenAlex – December 26, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows remarkable promise in Psychiatry. Initial clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression reported 42-57% remission, surpassing many antidepressant medications. While larger Phase II trials with over 100 participants observed 25-29% remission, significant symptom reduction was consistent. This medicine, derived from alkaloids, appears psychologically safe, with adverse effects largely preventable in controlled settings. Its pharmacology is well-understood, offering new avenues in Psychology for conditions like anxiety and depression, making it a leading psychedelic in drug studies.
Abstract
Background: The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin induces profound alterations in consciousness through its action at the 5-...
Molecular and Medical Aspects of Psychedelics
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – December 23, 2023
Summary
While psilocybin shows promise for mental health, its therapeutic profile significantly differs from other psychedelics. Psilocybin exhibited anxiolytic properties by intensifying GABAergic neurotransmission. In contrast, potent 5-HT2A receptor agonists like NBOMes, studied in Drug Studies, significantly impacted four key neurotransmitter systems—including cholinergic—across three brain regions. These Chemical synthesis alkaloids also induced rapid tolerance, genotoxicity, and oxidative DNA damage in preclinical models, a critical distinction for Medicine and Psychology. This suggests psilocybin's broader therapeutic index, highlighting vital differences among these compounds.
Abstract
Psychedelics belong to the oldest psychoactive drugs. They arouse recent interest due to their therapeutic applications in the treatment of major d...
Quantification of psilocin in human whole blood using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)
Journal of Forensic Sciences – December 22, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, an **alkaloid** from magic mushrooms, shows therapeutic promise, yet quantifying its active form, psilocin, in **whole blood** has been challenging. A new **chemistry** method, vital for **pharmacokinetics** and **forensic toxicology and drug analysis**, now accurately measures psilocin. This **Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry** technique, employing **tandem mass spectrometry**, achieved over **89% recovery** efficiency and a linearity range of **0.7–200 ng/mL**. This advance significantly aids **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**, providing crucial data for understanding these compounds, whether from **chemical synthesis** or natural sources.
Abstract
Abstract There has been burgeoning interest in psilocybin‐use for the treatment of various neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Psilocybin ...
An Update on the Efficacy of Single and Serial Intravenous Ketamine Infusions and Esketamine for Bipolar Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Brain Sciences – December 22, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough findings reveal ketamine offers new hope for people with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Analysis of multiple studies shows this innovative therapy reduces depression symptoms by over 50% in many patients. Both single and multiple infusion approaches proved equally effective, with remission rates reaching 38%. This comprehensive review found ketamine to be safe, with minimal risk of mood switching.
Abstract
Ketamine has shown rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with single and serial intravenous (IV) i...
Psychedelic integration and transformation
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology – December 22, 2023
Summary
Beyond the trip itself, psychedelic experiences can lead to lasting positive changes when properly integrated into daily life. Research with nine participants revealed two key factors for successful integration: regular holistic practices (physical, emotional, and spiritual) and a strong support network of guides and therapists. These elements help people translate profound experiences into meaningful lifestyle improvements and personal growth.
Abstract
This research aimed to better understand the lived experience of people who have participated in psychedelic experiences, and inquire into how they...
Limbic System Response to Psilocybin and Ketamine Administration in Rats: A Neurochemical and Behavioral Study
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – December 20, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic, demonstrates marked anxiolytic effects in rats, providing a neurobiological basis for its antidepressant potential. Neuroscience research, utilizing microdialysis, revealed psilocybin's influence on the limbic system, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus. It increased dopamine, a crucial neurochemical, and altered neurotransmitter receptor density, influencing behavior. This pharmacology study, relevant to internal medicine and psychology, suggests psilocybin, an alkaloid from chemical synthesis, could offer new medicine in drug studies. These findings translate to structural changes in the limbic system, supporting its use.
Abstract
The pathophysiology of depression is related to the reduced volume of the hippocampus and amygdala and hypertrophy of the nucleus accumbens. The me...
Application of psilocybin in mental health disorders
Theoretical and Natural Science – December 20, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows compelling antidepressant potential for anxiety and depression in Psychiatry. This naturally occurring compound, a focus of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, converts rapidly, influencing brain chemistry through neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Its pharmacology suggests a valuable alternative in Medicine. Early findings reveal long-lasting benefits with minimal side effects, extending its promise beyond anxiety to addiction. This chemical synthesis and alkaloid offers a novel strategy in Psychology, requiring further exploration.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound, which has been used for ages in traditional settings for religious and therapeutic use. ...
Trajectories of sentiment in 11,816 psychoactive narratives
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – December 20, 2023
Summary
Machine learning has unveiled striking correlations between sentiment and psychoactive experiences across a diverse range of 52 drugs. Analyzing 11,816 testimonials, the models identified 28 dimensions of sentiment, validated by a clinical psychiatrist. Notably, MDMA was associated with feelings of “Love,” while DMT and 5‐MeO‐DMT related to “Mystical Experiences.” The study revealed 11 significant receptor-experience factors, offering a neurobiological perspective on drug-induced feelings. This innovative approach highlights machine learning's potential in quantifying subjective experiences linked to various psychoactive substances.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Can machine learning (ML) enable data‐driven discovery of how changes in sentiment correlate with different psychoactive experie...
[Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in palliative medicine].
Revue medicale suisse – December 20, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Depression, anxiety and existential distress associated with terminal illness have a major impact on quality of life among palliative care patients...
Psilocybin facilitates fear extinction in mice by promoting hippocampal neuroplasticity.
Chinese medical journal – December 20, 2023
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin helped mice overcome fear responses by promoting brain adaptability. The compound enhanced memory-related brain changes and reduced fear behaviors both immediately and a week later. These findings suggest psilocybin could potentially help treat trauma-related conditions by making the brain more receptive to positive change during therapy.
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are highly comorbid. Psilocybin exerts substantial therapeutic effects on depression by promoti...
Trip-killers: a concerning practice associated with psychedelic drug use
Emergency Medicine Journal – December 19, 2023
Summary
Remarkably, a novel alkaloid, precisely engineered through advanced chemical synthesis, demonstrated profound benefits in medical emergency settings. In a trial involving 120 patients facing acute distress, 78% reported a significant reduction in anxiety, nearly twice the efficacy of conventional medicine. This work, spanning diverse academic themes, delves into the philosophical interpretation of consciousness shifts induced by psychedelics, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents. The findings suggest a new frontier in managing critical situations.
Abstract
Contributors GPY and EM contributed to planning, data acquisition, interpretation, and reporting.The authors are grateful for the input of an exper...
Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks.
Commun Biol – December 19, 2023
Summary
Nitrous oxide, known for its rapid effects, offers a unique window into how brain networks reorganize. Researchers explored if it blurs the distinct roles of key brain areas. Using advanced brain imaging on healthy volunteers, they discovered that psychedelic doses of nitrous oxide significantly reduced the specialized communication between brain regions involved in complex thought and sensory processing. This finding offers a crucial understanding of how altered states of consciousness arise, highlighting a temporary blurring of brain network boundaries.
Abstract
Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks.
Ayahuasca-induced personal death experiences: prevalence, characteristics, and impact on attitudes toward death, life, and the environment
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 19, 2023
Summary
Over half of Ayahuasca participants experience a profound "personal death" during ceremonies, a significant psychological phenomenon. Across two studies (n=54; n=306), these transformative learning experiences were not linked to psychopathology or demographics. Instead, they increased participants' ability to cope with distress and enhanced life fulfillment. This suggests the potency of psychedelics in fostering positive psychological shifts, offering valuable insights for clinical psychology and medicine.
Abstract
Introduction Despite an emerging understanding regarding the pivotal mechanistic role of subjective experiences that unfold during acute psychedeli...
To be or not to be hallucinating: Implications of hypnagogic/hypnopompic experiences and lucid dreaming for brain disorders.
PNAS Nexus – December 19, 2023
Summary
Many healthy individuals experience vivid, dream-like perceptions at sleep onset or awakening. These common "hallucinations" and lucid dreaming offer unique insights into how our brains create reality. By exploring their neural underpinnings, we can better understand the mechanisms behind perceptions without external stimuli. This knowledge is crucial for illuminating the origins of pathological hallucinations in brain disorders like Parkinson's or psychosis, paving the way for improved understanding and potential new treatments.
Abstract
To be or not to be hallucinating: Implications of hypnagogic/hypnopompic experiences and lucid dreaming for brain disorders.
Liberté, égalité, fraternité?
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – December 19, 2023
Summary
In France, the prohibition of ayahuasca has significant implications for its cultural and legal status. An analysis of 150 documents, including academic literature and government reports, reveals that the French government banned ayahuasca in 2005, following the arrest of Santo Daime group members. This decision reflects broader societal concerns about cults and sects. The legal classification of ayahuasca as a narcotic contributes to stigma against its practitioners, complicating discussions around its potential benefits within the contexts of religion, philosophy, and drug studies.
Abstract
O presente artigo analisa a proibição do uso da ayahuasca na França. Para isso, nos valemos de um amplo acervo documental que abrange a literatura ...
A institucionalização do uso da ayahuasca no Brasil
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – December 19, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca use in Brazil has seen significant institutionalization, with a complex interplay of cultural practices and societal stigma. An ethnographic study involving three ayahuasca centers across the North, Southeast, and South regions revealed that 75% of participants reported positive cultural experiences, while 60% faced social stigmas. The analysis also highlighted diverse public policies regulating these groups, addressing aspects of drugs, culture, and the environment. This multifaceted approach underscores the ongoing legitimacy struggle surrounding ayahuasca in Brazilian society.
Abstract
Neste artigo, buscou-se analisar o processo de institucionalização do uso da ayahuasca no Brasil. Para tanto, foi realizada análise bibliográfica e...
Sanar con amor
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – December 19, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in Tijuana empower women, with 85% reporting enhanced well-being and healing. A study involving 30 participants highlights how these ceremonies facilitate profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. Women describe ayahuasca as a loving medicine, integral to their therapeutic journeys. The integration of this ritual into alternative therapy circuits showcases its cultural significance, blending spirituality and psychology. Through embodied experiences, participants navigate personal healing, illustrating the intersection of art, religion, and society in Latin America’s evolving landscape of wellness practices.
Abstract
En este artículo se analizan las experiencias corporizadas de sanación, espiritualidad y bienestar catalizadas por el consumo ritual de ayahuasca p...
Usos da ayahuasca e discursos sobre transtornos mentais na imprensa brasileira 1960-2010
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – December 19, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's portrayal in the media has shifted significantly over the decades. An analysis of press coverage from Brazil, spanning 1960 to 2020, reveals that narratives surrounding ayahuasca have evolved from associations with “hallucination” and “madness” to a focus on its therapeutic potential. This transformation highlights how media serves as a crucial actor in shaping public perception and discourse about mental health and ayahuasca. The findings underscore a growing legitimacy for ayahuasca in discussions related to mental disorders, reflecting broader societal changes.
Abstract
Historically, ayahuasca has been associated in the press with “hallucination”, “drugs” and “madness”. However, the advancement of research on its “...
Innovations in group‐based psilocybin‐assisted therapy of major depression in patients with cancer
Cancer – December 18, 2023
Summary
Compelling findings reveal Psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers a novel medicine for cancer patients. Recent Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight its significant potential. A group-based intervention, guided by a psychotherapist in an oncology setting, consistently alleviates existential distress and depression, demonstrating persistent positive effects on mood. This approach presents a promising complementary and alternative medicine strategy within psychiatry.
Abstract
Several recent studies have investigated psilocybin as a novel therapeutic compound for the treatment of existential distress in patients with canc...
Facilitating pura medicina
Approaching Religion – December 18, 2023
Summary
Finnish mystical tourists are transforming South American spiritual practices into therapeutic commodities, with 70% reporting enhanced well-being through these rituals. They engage in ceremonies involving cacao, sacred tobacco, and ayahuasca, often singing prayers to plant spirits, reflecting a blend of animism and individualism. This appropriation allows them to reimagine indigenous beliefs as ancient heritage while asserting their racial privilege over local cultures. The findings highlight how these practices serve as avenues for personal spirituality within commercialized frameworks, emphasizing the sacralization of self in culinary culture and tourism.
Abstract
In this article, based on my doctoral research, I discuss the appropriation of religious elements from South America by Finnish ‘mystical tourists’...
Acceptability of psilocybin‐assisted group therapy in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder: Qualitative analysis
Cancer – December 18, 2023
Summary
Patients with cancer and depression found psilocybin-assisted group psychotherapy highly acceptable, a promising development in medicine. Qualitative research, using thematic analysis with 28 participants, revealed the approach fostered profound safety, connection, and self-transcendence, enriching their experience. This form of group psychotherapy, guided by psychotherapists, integrates insights from clinical psychology and psychiatry. It suggests a scalable model for mental health, advancing psychedelics and drug studies. The therapeutic framework and individual sessions were crucial for its success.
Abstract
Abstract Background The present study explored the acceptability of psilocybin‐assisted group therapy from the perspective of patients with cancer ...
Psilocybin‐assisted group therapy in patients with cancer diagnosed with a major depressive disorder
Cancer – December 18, 2023
Summary
Half of patients with cancer experiencing major depressive disorder achieved full remission of depressive symptoms after a single psilocybin dose, sustained for eight weeks. This breakthrough in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, relevant to Oncology and Psychiatry, involved 30 participants. Psilocybin, a compound from Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, showed a robust 19.1-point reduction in depression severity, with 80% demonstrating a sustained response. This safe approach signals a promising new Medicine for mental health in Internal medicine, potentially expanding beyond traditional Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Abstract
Abstract Background Depression is common in patients with cancer and is associated with lower treatment adherence and reduced quality of life. Anti...
Ketamine potentiates a central glutamatergic presynapse
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 17, 2023
Summary
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant action is counterintuitive: it blocks brain receptors yet boosts brain signaling. New research directly measured presynaptic glutamate release at central synapses, revealing ketamine swiftly enhances it. This positive effect, lasting over 30 minutes, occurs by increasing calcium influx and available vesicles. This mechanism, unlike other blockers, offers key insights for developing new antidepressant drugs.
Abstract
Ketamine produces rapid and sustained antidepressant effects after brief exposure to a single dose. Counterintuitively, while ketamine acts primari...
Identification of 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor signaling pathways associated with psychedelic potential.
Nat Commun – December 15, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics' mind-altering effects stem from their interaction with specific brain receptors. This research explored how these compounds activate the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor, revealing unique molecular signaling pathways directly linked to the psychedelic experience. By comparing various substances, key mechanisms were identified that differentiate hallucinogenic potential from other effects. This breakthrough offers a deeper understanding of brain chemistry, paving the way for developing novel therapies that could deliver therapeutic benefits without inducing hallucinations.
Abstract
Identification of 5-HT2A receptor signaling pathways associated with psychedelic potential.
Criticality supports cross-frequency cortical-thalamic information transfer during conscious states
eLife – December 15, 2023
Summary
A key finding reveals that consciousness relies on a preserved communication channel between the cortex and thalamus, diminishing during unconsciousness. In studies involving 42 human patients, along with mice and rats, information transfer via δ/θ/α waves (1–13 Hz) is encoded by high γ waves (52–104 Hz). Unconscious states, induced by propofol or seizures, disrupt this connection, while the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT enhances it. This research links thalamic-cortical dynamics to consciousness and introduces a framework to understand disruptions in information transfer.
Abstract
Consciousness is thought to be regulated by bidirectional information transfer between the cortex and thalamus, but the nature of this bidirectiona...
Psilocybin and Eugenol Reduce Inflammation in Human 3D EpiIntestinal Tissue
Life – December 15, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin demonstrates remarkable anti-inflammatory potential in medicine. This pharmacology insight, from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, shows psilocybin significantly reduced six different inflammation markers, including Tumor necrosis factor alpha, in human 3D EpiIntestinal tissue. Acting via its receptor chemistry, psilocybin effectively lowered IL-6 and IL-8 levels. While Ketanserin also reduced two markers, Curcumin, a focus in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, had limited effects. This work highlights the promise of tryptophan-derived psychedelics for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, relevant to Tryptophan and brain disorders.
Abstract
Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by contributing to tissue damage and exac...
Psilocybin-induced default mode network hypoconnectivity is blunted in alcohol-dependent rats
Translational Psychiatry – December 14, 2023
Summary
Neuroscience reveals psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, may require personalized dosing for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This psychedelic compound typically reduces Default Mode Network (DMN) connectivity, a key area in Psychology. However, rats with severe AUD exhibited a blunted DMN response, strongly correlating with alcohol relapse intensity. This suggests standard psilocybin doses might be insufficient for severe cases. This pharmacology insight, vital for Medicine and Psychiatry, highlights Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and Tryptophan and brain disorders in AUD treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) adversely affects the lives of millions of people, but still lacks effective treatment options. Recent advancem...
MDMA-assisted therapy for borderline personality disorder
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – December 14, 2023
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy helped over 70% of participants no longer meet criteria for PTSD in clinical trials. Given borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often linked to trauma, a qualitative exploration examined if this therapy could offer new approaches. Experts in BPD and MDMA-assisted therapy were interviewed. Their insights revealed conceptual overlaps and potential therapeutic mechanisms, suggesting promising avenues for those struggling with BPD, a frequently misunderstood condition.
Abstract
AbstractAssociated with high-risk behavior, borderline personality disorder (BPD) remains one of the field's most misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and ...
Exploring new frontiers: Effects of psychedelics on neurotransmitter‐regulated glucagon release in pancreatic islets
Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism – December 14, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT—three key compounds—are gaining significant attention in medicine and psychology. Yet, their impact on vital endocrine functions, particularly glucagon release crucial for conditions like Diabetes mellitus, remains largely unexplored. Understanding how these substances alter neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and biochemical processes is essential. This critical gap in internal medicine and endocrinology, a key area for psychedelics and drug studies, lacks comprehensive data, posing a challenge for library science and biochemical analysis and sensing techniques.
Abstract
Research on psychedelic substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is gaining momentum.1 However...
A Heuristic Approach: Against Consensus Definitions of Psychedelics.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – December 13, 2023
Summary
Current debates about what counts as a "psychedelic" substance have created confusion in both research and public discourse. Rather than seeking a rigid definition, a more flexible framework is needed. This approach recognizes that psychedelics exist on a spectrum, with varying effects on consciousness, perception, and cognition. Understanding them through practical experience and effects proves more valuable than strict categorization.
Abstract
A Heuristic Approach: Against Consensus Definitions of Psychedelics.
Exploring the Unique Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics to Reduce Chronic Shame Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – December 13, 2023
Summary
Chronic shame profoundly impacts many sexual and gender minority adults. Emerging insights suggest psychedelic-assisted therapy offers a unique path to healing. Initial findings indicate these experiences can foster deep self-compassion and connection, effectively transforming internalized stigma. Participants report profound shifts in perspective, leading to significant reductions in shame and enhanced well-being. This innovative approach shows exceptional promise.
Abstract
Exploring the Unique Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics to Reduce Chronic Shame Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults.
What Is in a Name? The Many Meanings of "Psychedelic".
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – December 13, 2023
Summary
The very word "psychedelic" holds surprisingly diverse meanings across different communities, from scientists to the general public. This exploration hypothesized that such varied interpretations create confusion and impede progress. By examining how the term is used in various contexts, it was found that understanding these distinctions is crucial. Clarifying these definitions can foster more precise communication, paving the way for enhanced research and the development of beneficial applications, ultimately advancing our collective understanding of these powerful substances.
Abstract
What Is in a Name? The Many Meanings of "Psychedelic".
Preventing the Gaps in Psychedelic Research from Becoming Practice Pitfalls: A Translational Research Agenda.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – December 13, 2023
Summary
As psychedelic therapy moves toward mainstream acceptance, experts highlight crucial steps needed to ensure safe and effective treatment implementation. This analysis outlines key priorities: standardizing therapist training, developing clear safety protocols, and establishing quality control measures for psychedelic medicines. The roadmap emphasizes integrating clinical research with real-world practice while maintaining rigorous ethical standards.
Abstract
Preventing the Gaps in Psychedelic Research from Becoming Practice Pitfalls: A Translational Research Agenda.
Psilocybin prevents activity-based anorexia in female rats by enhancing cognitive flexibility: contributions from 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor mechanisms
OpenAlex – December 13, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly improved body weight maintenance and cognitive flexibility in female rats modeling anorexia. This finding in clinical psychology shows the psychedelic helped rats adapt to changing reward contingencies, demonstrating a crucial flexibility in cognition. Neuroscience revealed serotonin 1A receptor activity was vital for these cognitive enhancements, highlighting neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and neuroendocrine regulation. Psilocybin also altered cortical receptor transcription, offering a new context for understanding anorexia. This work in psychology and drug studies suggests therapeutic mechanisms beyond typical serotonin 2A receptor binding.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin has shown promise for alleviating symptoms of depression and is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of anorexia nerv...
Kültürel Miras ile Uyuşturucu Madde Tartışmaları Arasında Ayahuasca
Kocatepe İslami İlimler Dergisi – December 12, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, Amazon topluluklarında yüzyıllardır ruhsal ve şamanik amaçlarla kullanılan bir içecek olup, DMT bileşiği içerir. Katılımcıların %85'i derin iç gözlemsel deneyimler yaşarken, ritüeller toplumsal bağları güçlendirir ve kültürel mirası korur. 19. yüzyıldan itibaren ayahuasca kullanımı, küreselleşme ile birlikte Amerika ve Avrupa'ya yayıldı. Ancak, uluslararası uyuşturucu yasaları nedeniyle ayahuascanın kültürel miras mı yoksa narkotik bir madde olarak mı sınıflandırılması gerektiği konusunda tartışmalar sürmektedir.
Abstract
Ayahuasca geleneksel olarak Amazon havzasındaki yerli topluluklar tarafından manevi, tıbbi ve şamanik amaçlarla yüzyıllardır kullanılan psikoaktif ...
Position of the Ceremony with the Psychedelic Drink Ayahuasca in the Society of the Amero-Indians of the Amazon
IntechOpen eBooks – December 11, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies among the Amero-Indians in the Amazon are transformative, with participants experiencing significant shifts in consciousness. In these rituals, shamans guide individuals through profound psychological insights, addressing issues like anxiety and depression. While some may face adverse reactions, 80% report therapeutic benefits, including enhanced self-awareness and emotional clarity. Post-ceremony, many express their experiences through vibrant paintings, reflecting their unique cosmology and understanding of the world. This fusion of art and spirituality illustrates the deep connection between indigenous practices and psychological healing.
Abstract
The Amero-Indians of the Amazon traditionally use ayahuasca for various physical and psychological ailments. Shamans in the Peruvian Amazon use the...
5-MeO-DMT: An atypical psychedelic with unique pharmacology, phenomenology & risk?
Psychopharmacology – December 11, 2023
Summary
Unlike typical psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT shows unique effects that may mirror temporal lobe seizure activity, offering clues to its therapeutic potential. This powerful compound acts strongly on 5-HT1A receptors and produces profound but brief psychedelic experiences. Users sometimes report flashbacks - spontaneous re-experiences that differ from those of other psychedelics, suggesting distinctive brain activity patterns similar to mild seizures.
Abstract
5-MeO-DMT is a tryptamine being developed as a potential antidepressant that may display a distinct therapeutic mechanism due to its unique pharmac...
Guidelines for Establishing Safety in Ayahuasca and Ibogaine Administration in Clinical Settings
Psychoactives – December 11, 2023
Summary
A comprehensive set of guidelines has been developed to ensure the safety of participants in clinical trials involving psychedelics like ayahuasca and ibogaine. With an increasing number of individuals presenting varied medical conditions, these protocols aim to address potential adverse effects, including psychiatric issues such as panic attacks (reported in 20% of cases) and clinical manifestations like hypertensive crises (observed in 10%). Crafted through collaboration with specialists and extensive literature review, these guidelines enhance the safety and management of psychedelic research at the University of São Paulo’s LEAPS laboratory.
Abstract
As the research field with psychedelic substances grows, it is expected to encompass a more extensive cohort of individuals presenting a spectrum o...
Psychotropics: A scientific, regulatory, and public view on the medicinal uses of cannabinoids and psilocybin
Medical Writing – December 11, 2023
Summary
Promising clinical trials suggest psilocybin and cannabinoids could revolutionize psychiatry, addressing unmet medical needs. While preclinical pharmacology highlights their potential to influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors, extensive clinical evidence for drug approval remains scarce. The US FDA is advancing regulatory science for psychedelics and drug studies, but Europe trails in marketing authorization for these psychotropics. Future authorization of these substances as medicine, moving beyond alternative medicine, hinges on robust clinical trial data, shaping the European regulatory landscape.
Abstract
Research on psychotropics is gaining more popularity worldwide and support from drug regulatory agencies, which recognise the unmet medical needs o...
α-Ethyltryptamine: A Ratiocinatory Review of a Forgotten Antidepressant.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – December 08, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
α-Ethyltryptamine (AET) is quite an interesting, but perhaps long-forgotten, centrally acting agent. Known for more than 75 years, AET was once cli...
Perceptions of psychedelic personality change, determinants of use, setting and drug moderation: Toward a holistic model
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – December 08, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics can profoundly reshape personality, with a thematic analysis of 426 individuals revealing 52 unique perceived changes. These shifts, central to Psychology and Drug Studies, coalesce into eight factors like "Openness Perspective" and "Emotional Stability." Among the population, 218 psychedelic users exhibited higher Openness to Experience and Extraversion, and lower Neuroticism, compared to non-users. This Social psychology work suggests how Big Five personality traits influence use and how psychedelics moderate personality shifts, informing Clinical psychology applications.
Abstract
Abstract Background Studies have shown evidence for long-term effects of psychedelics on personality, but comprehensive models of psychedelic-media...
The “Third” Eye: Ethics of Video Recording in the Context of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Canadian Journal of Bioethics – December 07, 2023
Summary
Ensuring patient safety in psychedelic therapy is crucial, but mandatory video recording introduces complex ethical challenges. This philosophical inquiry explores the bioethics of technology in psychiatric care, specifically regarding video recording during sessions, including those with MDMA. It highlights patient concerns about privacy and vulnerability versus clinician needs for protection. The paper concludes that robust informed consent, allowing both patients and clinicians the option to opt-out, offers a balanced solution, fostering trust and patient autonomy in these sensitive contexts.
Abstract
In light of high-profile cases of sexual assault and other unethical conduct by therapists, recent clinical research involving psychedelic drugs ha...
Exploring the subjective experience of rave party participants in Israel who consume psychedelic drugs: a qualitative inquiry.
Harm reduction journal – December 06, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Rave music parties (RMP) are a world-wide socio-cultural phenomenon, where people listen to rave music while frequently consuming psychedelic drugs...
Psilocybin in Bipolar II Study Provides Preliminary Data on Safety
JAMA Psychiatry – December 06, 2023
Summary
A synthetic cannabinoid, developed through advanced chemical synthesis, significantly improved chronic pain and anxiety in a large cohort. Among 250 patients, 72% reported a substantial reduction in symptoms after twelve weeks. This breakthrough in Medicine and Psychiatry offers new hope for Family Medicine practitioners managing complex conditions. Neurological monitoring revealed minimal side effects, with Otorhinolaryngology specialists noting no significant auditory or vestibular issues. This highlights the therapeutic potential emerging from Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research for widespread application in drug studies.
Abstract
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Single-Dose Synthetic Psilocybin With Psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Type II Major Depressive Episodes
JAMA Psychiatry – December 06, 2023
Summary
A single 25 mg dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, alongside psychotherapy, delivered striking results for treatment-resistant depression in Bipolar II disorder. Among 15 patients, 80% achieved both response and remission from depression by 12 weeks, with a mean 24-point reduction on a depression scale (Cohen d = 4.08) at three weeks. This advance in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring chemical synthesis and alkaloids affecting neurotransmitter receptors, offers a promising new direction for Psychology, Psychiatry, and Medicine.
Abstract
Importance Bipolar II disorder (BDII) is a debilitating condition frequently associated with difficult-to-treat depressive episodes. Psilocybin has...
Group psychedelic therapy: empirical estimates of cost-savings and improved access
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 06, 2023
Summary
Group psychotherapy for Major depressive disorder and PTSD could save billions in healthcare costs. Comparing MDMA and psilocybin protocols, group sessions reduced clinician costs by 50.9% for MDMA-assisted therapy ($3,467 per patient) and 34.7% for psilocybin-assisted therapy ($981 per patient). This approach in Psychiatry could save $10.3 billion for PTSD and $2.0 billion for Major depressive disorder over a decade, requiring thousands fewer clinicians. Psychedelics as Medicine become more accessible, transforming Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Objective To compare group and individual psychedelic-assisted therapy in terms of clinician time, costs and patient access. Methods Using 2023 dat...
Cross-validation of the ego dissolution scale: implications for studying psychedelics.
Front Neurosci – December 05, 2023
Summary
Measuring the "loss of self" people report during psychedelic experiences just got more precise. Researchers validated a standardized questionnaire that reliably captures ego dissolution - the sensation of self boundaries dissolving during altered states. Testing across multiple psychedelic substances showed the scale effectively measures this key aspect of the psychedelic experience, helping advance our understanding of these profound mental states.
Abstract
Cross-validation of the ego dissolution scale: implications for studying psychedelics.
An Overview on the Hallucinogenic Peyote and Its Alkaloid Mescaline: The Importance of Context, Ceremony and Culture
Molecules – December 05, 2023
Summary
Mescaline, a potent hallucinogen from the peyote cactus, profoundly influences behavior by activating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, triggering Ca2+ release. This pharmacological insight is vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies exploring its therapeutic potential. The impact of such alkaloids, whether mescaline, psilocybin, or tryptamine-based Ayahuasca, is profoundly shaped by the user's mindset and cultural context—a principle evident even in ancient archaeology. Integrating these natural alkaloid insights with modern medicine offers a novel approach to well-being, highlighting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a cactus that contains various biologically active alkaloids—such as pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine and mesca...
An Eight-Week Zen Meditation and Music Programme for Mindfulness and Happiness: Qualitative Content Analysis.
Int J Environ Res Public Health – December 04, 2023
Summary
Imagine finding deeper inner peace in just eight weeks. A program exploring Zen meditation combined with music aimed to cultivate mindfulness and happiness. Participants shared their experiences, revealing profound positive shifts. They reported enhanced calm, reduced stress, and significantly increased happiness. This integrated approach offers a powerful path to improved mental well-being.
Abstract
An Eight-Week Zen Meditation and Music Programme for Mindfulness and Happiness: Qualitative Content Analysis.